JVY SVINT: Pronounced “JAY SAINT”

Let’s hop right into this latest single / forthcoming video, “Stripper Moves” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

I wrote “Stripper Moves” to boost my confidence. At the time, I didn’t feel appreciated as an artist and needed to basically talk my sh** and remind myself of who I am and what I deserve. Conceptually, coming up with a creative starting point for the visuals was fairly easy. I love the movie “HUSTLERS,” and I really admired the way the women over-achieved in their profession as strippers by escorting. I wanted to capture the luxurious side of male escorting.

“Stripper Moves” comes courtesy of your upcoming EP, JEM — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

Strippers captivate and pull their customers in by their moves and body. With that said, as a singer-songwriter I strive to pull my audience in with my talent and body of work. They are the ultimate hustlers. I’m at the point of my music journey where a big shift needs to happen. I’m ready to show off all of the moves I’ve made over the years and the ones that I am going to make now to get the attention I deserve.

How then does this new material(s) either differ and / or compare to previous Jay Saint entries?

My new EP entitled JEM is a self entitled project. My Haitian name is Jem. That is the name I go by in my family. With this project I wanted to stay true to myself, embrace my Afro beats more and talk about my personal growth. This project is like nothing I’ve done, and I’m excited to share it.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Mostly recently, my inspiration comes from personal experiences. The melody comes first, I then dive deep into the experience to fish for lyrics and build the vocal arrangement around it.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Jay Saint?

I was always around music growing up, but there was one movie that changed everything for me, (An) American Dream, The Jackson 5 movie. I got a first glimpse at the work it took to really captivate as an entertainer. The journey wasn’t easy for them, but they pushed on. In that moment, I knew that music was my calling and that’s what I was meant to do.

Now you’re a native of Brooklyn, New York, correct? So growing up in ‘The Borough of Trees,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

As a young Caribbean kid growing up in Brooklyn, I wasn’t really allowed to listen to rap music and the artists that truly cultivated Hip Hop in Brooklyn. Bob Marley, Shaggy, Macka B and Dawn Penn are what I grew up on. They really helped shape my sound.

Having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

My sound and style originates from my Caribbean culture, the Hip Hop / R&B artists that inspired me vocally throughout my life. I also have a very strong love for Afrobeats. The mixture of all three is what Jay Saint is all about.

What do you feel will be the key to your longevity?

The key to my longevity will be my songwriting, and my unique vocal arrangement abilities. I believe that I will write for some big names that will ensure my continued success in the music industry.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to be lost and immersed in my music. I also want my audience to get a glimpse of who I am as a person. I also want them to get massive good vibez from listening to me.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

I am most definitely happy with the current state of music. I love how artists are challenging themselves and creating different layers of what the genres mean to them. Music is ever-changing and the artists that are successful in it now are moving with the current. It’s a beautiful thing to see and be inspired by.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I love people and would love to be invested and inspire those who need inspiring. Motivational speaking would possibly be another route for me. I would also love to get into skin care as well.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

My greatest career moment is writing for Danity Kane. I co-wrote their hit song “Pretty Boy” on the Welcome to the Dollhouse album.

What’s an average day like for you?

An average day in the life of Jay Saint consists of me completing my side hustle — my 9-5 —heading to the gym, then hitting the studio and heading home for dinner. When I’m rehearsing for shows or asked to be at an event, obviously the day changes. For the most part, I normally get everything I mentioned done either way.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I love my fans. As an independent artist, your day one fans mean everything because they are the ones that see you before anyone else. When my fans DM kind words, I always respond. When they comment under my pictures, I always reply. I let them know how much I appreciate them.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part about being an artist is the creative part. Creating the songs and creating the visuals, then watching the positive receptions, is the most rewarding part. To be able to create and produce the caliber of work I put out requires an extensive amount of funds. Independently obtaining funds to finance a project can be very challenging, and is definitely my least favorite part.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I would be honest with them and let them know what it really takes. This business is not for the weak. You have to have tough skin and be open to taking criticism, especially when it benefits you. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and keep going if it truly makes you happy. The authentically you.

Lastly, what’s next for you, Jay?

You’ll get more music from me. I will be hitting different cities very soon, and the visuals from Jay Saint are only going to get bigger and bigger.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I think we covered everything.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Thank you so much (The) HYPE Magazine for giving me the opportunity to be featured, and stay tuned to see what all the hype of Jay Saint is all about!